TJSL Aids In Philippines Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan hitting the central Philippines on November 8, TJSL Alums and student organizations are coming together to collaborate relief efforts. They are calling on the rest of the TJSL and San Diego communities for help with money, non-perishable food items, and household supplies that are desperately needed half way around the world.

“It is heartbreaking to see the extent of the damage of the recent super typhoon that hit the Philippines. Thousands perished and more than half a million have lost their homes. Food, water and medicine are badly needed. I feel that it is our responsibility to help in any way we can to alleviate the suffering of those who survived this calamity,” said TJSL student and Disaster Relief Organizer Ian Seruelo --who comes from the devastated area.

TJSL Alum Edward Pamintuan, Esq. ‘06 is coordinating with LBC Express, a Filipino-American door-to-door carrier to ship donations for Philippine relief efforts for free until November 30th. Donated items collected at TJSL or at any LBC Express location will be shipped to the Philippine Red Cross to be immediately distributed.
"I was impressed with how quickly the staff at Thomas Jefferson School of Law sprang into action after I let them know that LBC Express is shipping donations for the Philippines relief effort for free," said Pamintuan. "Also, Ian has done excellent work by starting the disaster relief fund. Now, it’s up to TJSL students and my fellow alumni to do what they can to help in the relief effort. Monetary donations are preferred because they provide the most immediate relief but in-kind donations save lives too and will be graciously accepted. Whether you donate money or goods you will positively affect lives in the Philippines and the San Diego Filipino Community and your life will be positively affected as well."

Ian Seruelo (2L) has rallied several student organizations to launch the Disaster Relief Fund Drive.
Sponsoring student organizations include: TJSL Student Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Association, Immigration Law Society, Asian-Pacific American Law Students Association, Public Interest Law Foundation, Black Law Students Association, La Raza Students Association, National Lawyers Guild, Outdoors Club, and the Environmental Law Society.

The Disaster Relief Fund goal is $5,350 in money and supplies. As of Wednesday, November 20 they had collected almost $2,000 which will go a long way in helping survivors. “A bag of relief goods that our partner organization is distributing in the Philippines cost approximately $2.50. These relief bags contain canned goods, bread, other food items and water and will help affected families survive for two to three days,” explained Seruelo.

“While we have not reached our target yet, we are happy about the positive response of the TJSL community. We continue to appeal to students, faculty, staff and the public to donate, as every single dollar is important. We are very thankful for the support of the student volunteers,” he added.
Here is how you can help:
Suggested donation items: canned food, powdered and evaporated milk, baby food and formula, peanut butter, granola and cereal bars, saltine crackers, dried fruit, and nuts, Tylenol, anti-diarrhea medication, candles, matches, shoes and slippers, blankets and diapers.

You can drop off your donation or give a monetary gift at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law on the first floor in the lobby between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. or online at http://ianstjsl.wix.com/tjsldisasterfund.